Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
If you’re looking for a knockout dinner that brings together sizzling flavor and creamy comfort, this Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo will absolutely steal the show. Imagine perfectly seared cubes of juicy steak, plump spiced shrimp, and toothsome penne, all tossed in a luxuriously rich parmesan Alfredo sauce that’s been elevated with bold blackened seasoning. It’s a dish that feels like something you’d order at your favorite steakhouse, but it comes together in your own kitchen. I’ve served this to friends and family more times than I can count, and it never fails to turn an ordinary night into a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, and there are no complicated surprises. From the fresh seafood and steak to the simple pantry staples like pasta and butter, each element brings something special—whether it’s a pop of color, a burst of spice, or silky creaminess—to your Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo.
- Penne pasta: Holds the sauce beautifully and is sturdy enough to stand up to the hearty toppings.
- Large shrimp (raw, deveined, tail removed): Choose the biggest, freshest shrimp you can find for maximum flavor and succulence.
- Blackened seasoning: This spicy, smoky blend is the secret weapon—use it generously for that signature restaurant taste.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps your shrimp from sticking to the pan and helps achieve that gorgeous sear.
- Top sirloin steak (cut into 1-inch cubes): Sirloin cooks quickly and stays tender, making it perfect for quick sautéing.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the steak and the sauce, and helps brown the meat deliciously.
- Yellow onion (diced): Provides a sweet, aromatic base for the Alfredo sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Just a couple teaspoons bring sharp, savory depth to the sauce.
- Heavy whipping cream: This is key for an Alfredo that’s creamy and indulgent without being heavy.
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Skip the pre-grated kind—freshly grated melts smoothly and adds a nutty, sharp punch.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances out the richness.
- Black pepper: A classic touch of warmth and zing.
- Parsley (chopped for garnish): For a pop of fresh green at the end—you eat with your eyes first!
How to Make Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Toss in the penne pasta and cook it just until al dente, which usually matches the package instructions. Reserving some pasta water is the trick here; it’s liquid gold for adjusting your sauce’s consistency later. Drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Cook the Blackened Shrimp
Pat your shrimp dry and sprinkle them evenly with blackened seasoning. Get a large skillet piping hot and swirl in the oil. Add the shrimp in a single layer and don’t overcrowd the pan—this is how you get those crave-worthy seared edges. Cook each side for just a minute or two until they turn pink and opaque, then swiftly transfer them to a plate. Tent with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Season the steak cubes all over with more blackened seasoning. Crank up the heat to high and melt the butter in the same skillet—your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point. Drop in the steak cubes and sear them for 1 to 2 minutes per side. You want a caramelized crust on the outside with a juicy blush of pink inside. Move the steak over to the plate with the shrimp and tent again.
Step 4: Build the Alfredo Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and sauté the diced onions in the remaining butter and steak drippings. Cook until softened, about 3 to 5 minutes, scraping up all those flavor-packed browned bits. Add the minced garlic and cook about a minute—just until fragrant.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Combine
Pour in the heavy cream and add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to start. Add the parmesan cheese, another generous scoop of blackened seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, but make sure it stays creamy and smooth. Toss in the cooked pasta, stirring to coat every piece—add extra pasta water little by little, if you want a looser sauce.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Arrange the blackened steak and shrimp over the bed of creamy Alfredo pasta. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for that fresh finishing touch, and serve your impressive plate of Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo right away. Trust me, nobody will be able to resist!
How to Serve Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped parsley adds freshness and vibrant color that really pops against the creamy sauce and deeply browned meat and shrimp. For an extra touch of restaurant-style flair, add a few shavings of parmesan cheese and a light dusting of blackened seasoning on top before serving.
Side Dishes
The decadent Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo pairs well with light and simple sides. Think crisp Caesar salad, roasted asparagus, or buttery garlic bread to mop up any leftover sauce. These sides balance the richness and ensure your meal tastes like a true Italian-American feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner party feel, try serving individual portions in wide, shallow bowls. Layer the pasta as the base, then artfully arrange steak and shrimp over the top. A sprinkle of microgreens or edible flowers can take this Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo to gourmet heights—don’t be afraid to make it look as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely and transfer portions to airtight containers. Store the Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors get even more delicious as they meld together overnight.
Freezing
While cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, you can successfully freeze Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo by storing it in tightly sealed containers. To keep the best texture, freeze the pasta and sauce together, but store the cooked steak and shrimp separately if possible. Freeze for up to two months.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat. Splash in a bit of milk or extra cream to loosen up the sauce if it seems thick. Stir frequently until everything is heated through—avoid microwaving for too long, as this can make steak and shrimp overcook.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo?
Absolutely! While top sirloin is quick-cooking and tender, you can also use strip steak, ribeye, or even filet mignon if you’re feeling extra fancy. Just cut into cubes and avoid overcooking for the juiciest result.
What if I don’t have blackened seasoning?
You can make your own by mixing equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the cayenne to taste for more or less heat—homemade seasoning lets you control the spice!
What pasta shapes work besides penne?
Fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti can all work well in this Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo. Choose a sturdy shape that holds plenty of sauce and stands up to the hearty proteins.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Swap regular penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check your blackened seasoning is gluten-free (some store-bought blends can contain traces). Otherwise, all the remaining ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo spicy?
Yes! To crank up the heat, add extra cayenne or hot sauce to your blackened seasoning, or even toss a pinch of red pepper flakes into the Alfredo sauce for a fiery kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a showstopper dinner that’s comforting, flavorful, and always impresses, look no further than Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo. It’s truly a special dish everyone should try at least once—so gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy meal at home!
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Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in a decadent and flavorful dish with this Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo recipe. Tender steak and succulent shrimp are coated in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce with a hint of blackened seasoning, served over perfectly cooked penne pasta. This dish is a perfect blend of surf and turf with a spicy kick!
Ingredients
Penne Pasta:
- 8 ounces penne pasta
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, raw, deveined, tail removed
- 1 teaspoon blackened seasoning
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Steak:
- 1 pound top sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon blackened seasoning
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Pasta: Boil the penne pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water; drain the rest. Set aside.
- Shrimp: Season shrimp with blackened seasoning. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- Steak: Season steak with blackened seasoning. Cook in butter over high heat for 1-2 minutes per side. Transfer to the plate with shrimp and keep warm.
- Sauce: Cook onions until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, pasta water, parmesan cheese, blackened seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until thickened. Add noodles and toss to coat. Top with shrimp and steak. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of blackened seasoning to suit your taste.
- Adjust the consistency of the Alfredo sauce by adding more pasta water as needed.
- Feel free to customize the dish with additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 810
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 55g
- Saturated Fat: 33g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 51g
- Cholesterol: 345mg
Keywords: Blackened Steak, Shrimp Alfredo, Surf and Turf, Creamy Pasta, Dinner Recipe
